Border security on alert against drug smuggling during Songkran

BANGKOK, 14 April 2014 – The Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) is cooperating with the Royal Thai Police to impose stricter measures to prevent drug smuggling activities during the Songkran holiday.

The Royal Thai Police indicated that the situation is under control.

The ONCB Secretary-General Pol Pongsapat Pongcharoen pointed out that as Songkran is the period of the year when many people travel back to their hometowns, and visitors come from other countries, it presents an opportunity for drug traffickers to attempt to smuggle narcotics into Thailand. The ONCB, has therefore prepared special measures to prevent drug trafficking along the borders. Operation teams are stationed along the Northern and Northeastern borders to prevent drug smuggling activities. Additionally, provincial authorities have been asked to set up checkpoints in their areas.

The ONCB Secretary-General says that there have been no reports of any smuggling incidents from the 50 community-on-alert outposts so far.